Research Topic: A discussion of the chemistry and functionality of parabens and their effects on the human body.
Harvey, P. W. and Everett, D. J. “Significance of the detection of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in human breast tumours.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 24 (2004) : 1–4. DOI
Introduction
Based on the paper Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours by Darbre et al. (2004), esters from parabens (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) can be found in human breast tumor tissue [[#|samples]].
Breast tumor samples from 20 patients were analyzed using HPLC and tandem MS.
Parabens are used in underarm deodorants and [[#|antiperspirants]] as antimicrobial agents, and these compounds can also be found in other consumer products.
Parabens have estrogenic activity and may contribute to the increase in human breast cancer cases.
Estrogen As a Common Factor in Breast Cancer and Paraben [[#|Toxicity]]
Estrogen is a major contributor the development of breast cancer.
Applying estrogenic compounds to areas next to the breast, as in applying deodorant, may pose an unnecessary risk of inducing breast cancer.
Only recently, the chemicals found in [[#|deodorants]] have been screened for toxicology and hormonal activity.
Using various tests involving methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl- parabens, many reports have shown that these compounds are estrogenic.
The greatest [[#|risk of breast cancer]] involves estrogen-progestagen [[#|hormone replacement therapy]].
Based on the structures of parabens, these compounds are predicted to bind to the estrogen receptors and also show activity to progesterone receptors.
The consistent use of underarm cosmetics and other products may result in long-term exposure to estrogenic potency of parabens (although relatively weak).
Significance of the Detection of Parabens in Breast Tumors
Compounds used in deodorants and antiperspirants once regarded as safe, but recently found to have estrogenic activity, can be found in human breast tumor tissue.
This finding leads to the hypothesis that through cellular exposure, parabens may contribute to or may be involved in the development of breast cancer.
Based on Darbre et al.’s (2004) findings, it is suggested that the absorption from the underarm is the route of entry, and most likely results from the use of underarm cosmetics.
The use of synthetic organic chemicals have no useful function in the human breast however it is not clearly known if they have caused harm.
In addition to parabens, other chemicals in underarm cosmetics may be present and may contribute to breast tumors.
General Considerations and Conclusion
Detection of parabens in breast tumor samples is consistent with the idea that there is a connection between estrogenic compounds used in deodorants/antiperspirants and the incidence of breast cancer.
Based on the studies presented, the results alone do not suggest that the presence of these chemicals is the causation of tumors in the patients.
11/29/2012
Research Topic: A discussion of the chemistry and functionality of parabens and their effects on the human body.
Harvey, P. W. and Everett, D. J. “Significance of the detection of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens) in human breast tumours.” Journal of Applied Toxicology 24 (2004) : 1–4. DOI
Introduction
- Based on the paper Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours by Darbre et al. (2004), esters from parabens (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) can be found in human breast tumor tissue [[#|samples]].
- Breast tumor samples from 20 patients were analyzed using HPLC and tandem MS.
- Parabens are used in underarm deodorants and [[#|antiperspirants]] as antimicrobial agents, and these compounds can also be found in other consumer products.
- Parabens have estrogenic activity and may contribute to the increase in human breast cancer cases.
Estrogen As a Common Factor in Breast Cancer and Paraben [[#|Toxicity]]- Estrogen is a major contributor the development of breast cancer.
- Applying estrogenic compounds to areas next to the breast, as in applying deodorant, may pose an unnecessary risk of inducing breast cancer.
- Only recently, the chemicals found in [[#|deodorants]] have been screened for toxicology and hormonal activity.
- Using various tests involving methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl- parabens, many reports have shown that these compounds are estrogenic.
- The greatest [[#|risk of breast cancer]] involves estrogen-progestagen [[#|hormone replacement therapy]].
- Based on the structures of parabens, these compounds are predicted to bind to the estrogen receptors and also show activity to progesterone receptors.
- The consistent use of underarm cosmetics and other products may result in long-term exposure to estrogenic potency of parabens (although relatively weak).
Significance of the Detection of Parabens in Breast Tumors- Compounds used in deodorants and antiperspirants once regarded as safe, but recently found to have estrogenic activity, can be found in human breast tumor tissue.
- This finding leads to the hypothesis that through cellular exposure, parabens may contribute to or may be involved in the development of breast cancer.
- Based on Darbre et al.’s (2004) findings, it is suggested that the absorption from the underarm is the route of entry, and most likely results from the use of underarm cosmetics.
- The use of synthetic organic chemicals have no useful function in the human breast however it is not clearly known if they have caused harm.
- In addition to parabens, other chemicals in underarm cosmetics may be present and may contribute to breast tumors.
General Considerations and Conclusion